Norma Jean Wise – Body Transformation

Norma Jean Wise

Essay/Final Pictures

My Fit Foods Transformation 2011

I live a very fast paced life. I am a mother, wife, daughter, middle school teacher, neighbor, and friend, just to name a few of my roles. With all of the hats that I wear the one that is most often over-looked and cast aside is the one that allows me to give priority to myself: the Self-Hat. The journey I have been traveling through this transformation process has shown me how important the Self-Hat hat is and that without it my life is skewed and out of balance.
Before I began this process I felt selfish if I wore the Self-Hat, my focus was on others. I have always been a driven, motivated, hard-working individual, but the rewards were continually reaped by others. I strove to be a great mom by enrolling my kids in sports and never missing any games. I worked to be a great wife by making sure the house was clean and dinner was ready. I endeavored to be an excellent teacher and employee, often bringing my work home. At the end of the day there seemed to be no time for me.
One morning I was rushing out the door when I glanced in the mirror and saw the reflection of an over-weight, weary person that I did not recognize. I realized after a moment that the reflection was me. In an instant I wondered where the high school athlete that I once knew had gone. Seeing this version of myself forced me to re-evaluate my way of life. I realized I had fallen into the same unhealthy patterns as some of my family and friends. It was overwhelming for me to comprehend that I had let this happen.
At that moment I chose to change. I knew that I wanted to live a long and healthy life. I wanted to watch my children grow to adulthood, and experience the joys of seeing them have their own children. I also knew that if I didn’t start taking better care of myself I was not going to realize those dreams. So I took out my Self-Hat, dusted it off, and placed it on my head. I made a vow to myself that I would never again forget that if I don’t take care of myself I won’t be around to take care of anyone else.
This transformation contest offered me a way to make myself accountable. I realized I needed something to motivate and guide me into working out regularly and eating better. Through this process I have learned how to eat and live in a healthier way and I have motivated others in my life to make similar changes. I am excited and driven to maintain my new lifestyle. I am extremely thankful that this vehicle came into my life and offered me the opportunity to make a difference in my own life as well as the lives of those around me.